Prosper in confident mood ahead of biggest test to date

Mike Simmonds

Luton boxer Kay Prosper has backed himself to come through his toughest challenge yet when he faces Terry Needham at York Hall on Saturday.

The 31-year-old who has won all seven of his pro bouts thus far, takes on Needham, 28, with seven wins and three defeats from 10 bouts.

On the eight round contest, Prosper side: “He will be the toughest I’ve fought as he’s been in there with some good people, taken them some late distance and stopped a few really good fighters, who people had expected to do well.

“I get the feeling it’s going to go eight rounds as I’m in with a tough guy, so I’m expecting him to come and really have a go.

“But I’m expecting to win convincingly as I think I’m going to be too much for him.

Prosper has won his last three fights by knock out, and although he wants a repeat ending, the Lutonian is hoping for a lengthier exercise this time.

He continued: “If I had it all my own way, I’d have it go to the later rounds.

“I still want to get the stoppage as it’s always good to get the stoppage, even it if it was in last round or seventh round.

“At least then I’ve shown some of my ability and felt it and know what it’s like to go to those rounds.

“Because eventually I’m going to be going 12 rounds or whatever, so it will be good to get experience with that situation.”

It’s the start of a busy period for Prosper, as he hopes to get another bout in, possibly abroad, before returning to the O2 Arena to fight on the David Haye show in May.

He said: “I want to be really active, and there might be a possible of me fighting in between now and the Haye show, as I might be going abroad to fight on someone else’s show.

“It would be dealing with the situation of going to someone else’s back yard and beating then, which is all stuff I need to learn and experience and then it’s in the bag.

“I was supposed to fight Danny Carter for the Southern Area title, but after my Haye fight, he pulled out.

“Lots of different people were offered decent money to fight for the title, but they won’t fight me for it, so I will just have to leave that and let two other people fight for it.

“I’m a bit gutted to not be fighting for the title as that would have been my first title, but I think they can get me in line to fight for an English eliminator now.

“They’re trying to get me up to certain amount of fights so I can fight for one of the major belts by the end of the year, which is massive for me.”

Meanwhile, on his return to fight on the Hayemaker Promotions bill against a yet to be announced opponent, Prosper said: “It’s really good as I’m the only person who has been asked back from the first one.

“It just feels so good and a privilege that he feels my talent is good enough to fight on that stage so hopefully I will fight someone good as that’s a massive show.”

Before that though, Prosper’s attention is on Needham this weekend where he’s expected to be roared on by an impressive Luton following.

He added: “I think I’ve sold 150 tickets now and it could be the most I’ve sold, so the supporters have been good once more.

“After the O2 performance, people are starting to recognise and want to come and see what the hype is about which is fantastic for me.

“I know that when Luton get behind their people, they’re fanatic, so it’s growing really well now.”